What does it take to prepare for life on another planet? On June 18, the Beyond Earth Series features two back-to-back presentations, each exploring a different aspect of how scientists are preparing for life beyond our planet.
1 PM – Fake Space Dirt: Why on Earth Do We Need It?
Did you know there’s a booming market for fake space dirt? It might sound strange, but it’s true! Demand for lunar and Martian regolith simulants has skyrocketed by over 4000% in recent years. Why? Because with NASA’s Artemis program aiming to return humans to the Moon and go beyond, scientists and engineers need realistic “space dirt” to test their tools, build better technology, and prepare for life on our dusty, rocky neighbors. Come explore how this out-of-this-world material is helping pave the way for our next giant leap!
Presenter: Abigail Glover, 2024-2025 Astronaut Scholar
- B.S. Mechanical Engineering, minor in Mathematics and Astronomy (University of Central Florida)
2 PM – Astrobiology: Life Beyond Earth’s Atmosphere
Are we alone in the universe? Could humans really survive on another planet? Thanks to today’s cutting-edge science and technology, we’re closer than ever to finding out! Join us for a deep dive into the fascinating world of Astrobiology and discover how scientists are exploring these big questions in the era of the Artemis Generation. From Mars missions to extreme environments on Earth, you won’t want to miss this out-of-this-world journey!
Presenter: McKenna Taylor, 2024-2025 Astronaut Scholar
- B.S. Astronomy & Astrophysics, B.S. Astrobiology (Florida Institute of Technology)
- M.S. Cell and Molecular Biology (Florida Institute of Technology)